GRADES
Your grade will be based on your performance in the 3 in-class tests (T), 4 homework
assignments (H), and the final exam (F). The scores will be weighted as follows:

F = 30%; T = 40%; H = 30%;

There are five homework sets to be turned in; we will compute your average homework grade
on the best four out of five of these. There is one additional grading rule/opportunity: if
your final exam score exceeds your lowest test score, we will count the final exam score also
in place of the lowest test score. This is designed to give you the opportunity to make up
for a poor performance on one of the tests. Because we are granting you this luxury, there
will be no makeups given for missed tests.

If you are taking this course on a pass/fail basis, University rules give the passing grade
as equivalent to a D or higher.

CLASS POLICIES
Homework assignments will be handed out for return in not less than 1 week. Each assignment
will have a due date. Late assignments will not be accepted for grading unless we have
been given and have accepted your reasons for requesting an extension. Such a request must
be given prior to the due date of the homework.

The final examination will be comprehensive. It will be held on the date scheduled by the
University: Friday, May 12, 9AM-12 noon (we probably will make the final exam shorter
than 3 hours; details to be given later in the semester). There will be no make-up final
exam scheduled.

Some math at the level of high school algebra will be required for the homework sets. We
will expect you to practice and be comfortable with such things as scientific notation, and
simple manipulation of basic astronomical formulate. Are you rusty in such math skills? We
will be happy to help you! The math level should in no way challenge anyone who has met
the UT math requirement. There will be no math called for on the examinations.